"Navy Brat" Allison is used to moving around a lot, based on her officer dad's schedule. She knows better than to get attached to people or places, since everything in her life has always been temporary. But when her father takes an extended leave of absence while he gets a degree, Allison finds herself ready to settle in for a while. She enjoys her new town and the new friends she makes there, especially Jane and Marnie. Jane and Marnie are twin sisters with a big problem. Marnie has a debilitating kidney disease and has to undergo dialysis on a regular basis. Her illness has isolated her (and her sister) from the other kids at school, who are put off by what they don't understand. At first, Allison is not sure she wants to be involved either, but the twins are unlike anyone she's ever known before. Their friendship is so special that the twins decide to share their life changing news with Allison - Jane has decided to donate one of her kidneys to Marnie. As the girls prepare physically and emotionally for their major surgery, Allison becomes their confidante and biggest supporter. Sharing this experience brings the three girls closer than ever, but Allison begins feeling overwhelmed. What if one, or both, of the twins die? She is also troubled by news of political unrest, and the possibility of her father being called back into service as a result, forcing the family to relocate yet again. Is caring about someone worth the risk of possibly losing them? This is an excellent story about learning to let down your guard and not allowing fear of loss get in the way of forming friendships.